Rule2021-26679
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
December 10, 2021
Effective
January 14, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports that certain aft and forward fitting assemblies, which are not approved for installation on certain helicopters, were installed on those helicopters as part of the outboard load system. Operators of those helicopters might not be aware of the applicable overhaul or life limits for those fitting assemblies. This AD requires inspecting the aft and forward fitting assemblies of the outboard load system to determine the part number, re-identifying the part if necessary, inspecting each affected part for damage (which may be indicated by signs of corrosion, mechanical damage, loose rivets, or cracks) and, depending on the findings, corrective actions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 235 (Friday, December 10, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 235 (Friday, December 10, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70361-70364]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-26679]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0826; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00300-R;
Amendment 39-21826; AD 2021-24-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P2+, EC135P3,
EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports that
certain aft and forward fitting assemblies, which are not approved for
installation on certain helicopters, were installed on those
helicopters as part of the outboard load system. Operators of those
helicopters might not be aware of the applicable overhaul or life
limits for those fitting assemblies. This AD requires inspecting the
aft and forward fitting assemblies of the outboard load system to
determine the part number, re-identifying the part if necessary,
inspecting each affected part for damage (which may be indicated by
signs of corrosion, mechanical damage, loose rivets, or cracks) and,
depending on the findings, corrective actions, as specified in a
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated
by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 14, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 14,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
telephone +49 221 8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#59181d2a193c382a38773c2c2b362938773c2c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="98d9dcebd8fdf9ebf9b6fdedeaf7e8f9b6fded">[email protected]</span></a>; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this material on the EASA website at
<a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>. You may view this material at the FAA,
Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy.,
Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability
of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available
in the AD docket at https://
[[Page 70362]]
www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0826.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0826; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the
EASA AD, any comments received, and other information. The address for
Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Darren Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer,
COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance &
Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; telephone (516) 228-7323; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#662207141403084821071515031212092600070748010910"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bffbdecdcddad191f8deccccdacbcbd0ffd9dede91d8d0c9">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0066, dated March 8, 2021 (EASA
AD 2021-0066), to correct an unsafe condition for Airbus Helicopters
Deutschland GmbH (formerly Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH and Eurocopter
Espa[ntilde]a S.A.) Model EC135 P2+, EC135 P3, EC135 T2+, EC135 T3,
EC635 P2+, EC635 P3, EC635 T1, EC635 T2+, and EC635 T3 helicopters,
serial numbers (S/Ns) 0866 to 1166 inclusive, except S/Ns 1007, 1102,
and 1145, and except helicopters on which Airbus Helicopters Service
Bulletin EC135-85-063 has been embodied in service. Model EC635 P2+,
EC635 P3, EC635 T1, EC635 T2+, and EC635 T3 helicopters are not
certificated by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type
certificate data sheet, except where the U.S. type certificate data
sheet explains that the Model EC635T2+ helicopter having serial number
0858 was converted from Model EC635T2+ to Model EC135T2+. This AD,
therefore, does not include Model EC635 P2+, EC635 P3, EC635 T1, EC635
T2+, and EC635 T3 helicopters in the applicability.
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T2+, and
EC135T3 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
September 23, 2021 (86 FR 52851). The NPRM was prompted by reports that
aft and forward fitting assemblies, having part number L851M2810103,
were installed as part of the outboard load system on helicopters
having S/Ns 0886 and up. The affected fitting assemblies are not
approved for installation on helicopters having those serial numbers.
Operators of those helicopters might not be aware of the applicable
overhaul or life limits for those fitting assemblies. The NPRM proposed
to require inspecting the aft and forward fitting assemblies of the
outboard load system to determine the part number, re-identifying the
part if necessary, inspecting each affected part for damage (which may
be indicated by signs of corrosion, mechanical damage, loose rivets, or
cracks) and, depending on the findings, corrective actions, as
specified in EASA AD 2021-0066.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address failure of affected aft and
forward fitting assemblies and consequent loss of external cargo,
resulting in personal injury or injury to persons on the ground. See
EASA AD 2021-0066 for additional background information.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
These helicopters have been approved by EASA and are approved for
operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral
agreement with the European Union, EASA has notified the FAA about the
unsafe condition described in its AD. The FAA reviewed the relevant
data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these helicopters. Except for minor editorial changes,
this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2021-0066 requires a onetime inspection of each aft and
forward fitting assembly of the outboard load system to identify the
part number, re-identifying the part number if necessary, a one-time
inspection of an affected fitting assembly for damage, and corrective
action. The corrective action includes replacing any damaged fitting.
This material is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 69 helicopters of U.S.
Registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD.
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspection to determine fitting 0.50 work-hour x $85 per $0 $42.50 $2,932.50
assembly part number. hour = $42.50.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary actions
that would be required based on the results of the inspection. The
agency has no way of determining the number of helicopters that might
need these actions:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Re-identification of affected fitting assembly 0.25 work-hour x $85 per hour = $0 $21.25
with part number. $21.25.
[[Page 70363]]
Detailed inspection of affected fitting 1.75 work-hours x $85 per hour = 0 148.75
assembly. $148.75.
Replacement of damaged affected fitting 1.50 work-hours x $85 per hour = 1,363 1,490.50
assembly. $127.50.
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Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2021-24-05 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH: Amendment 39-21826;
Docket No. FAA-2021-0826; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00300-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 14, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model
EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters, certificated
in any category, as identified in European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0066, dated March 8, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0066).
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 2550, Cargo
Compartments.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports that certain aft and forward
fitting assemblies, which are not approved for installation on
certain helicopters, were installed on those helicopters as part of
the outboard load system. Operators of those helicopters might not
be aware of the applicable overhaul or life limits for those fitting
assemblies. The FAA is issuing this AD to address failure of
affected aft and forward fitting assemblies and consequent loss of
external cargo, resulting in personal injury or injury to persons on
the ground.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2021-0066.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2021-0066
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0066 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0066 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (4) of, and the service information
referenced in, EASA AD 2021-0066, specify contacting Airbus
Helicopters Deutschland GmbH for applicable instructions if any
damage (which may be indicated by signs of corrosion, mechanical
damage, loose rivets, or cracks) is found, the corrective action
must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, General
Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA;
or EASA; or Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-
0066 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD requires removing
those parts from service.
(5) This AD does not mandate compliance with the ``Remarks''
section of EASA AD 2021-0066.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0066
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where the
helicopter can be inspected (if the operator elects to do so),
provided the outboard load system is not used until the applicable
corrective actions required by paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2021-0066
are completed.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4a73670b1c19670b0318677d797a670b0705090a2c2b2b642d253c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="784155392e2b5539312a554f4b48553935373b381e1919561f170e">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
[[Page 70364]]
(l) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Darren Gassetto,
Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational
Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600
Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-
7323; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2e6a4f5c5c4b4000694f5d5d4b5a5a416e484f4f00494158"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="95d1f4e7e7f0fbbbd2f4e6e6f0e1e1fad5f3f4f4bbf2fae3">[email protected]</span></a>.
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0066,
dated March 8, 2021.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA AD 2021-0066, dated March 8, 2021, contact the
EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49
221 8999 000; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a3e2e7d0e3c6c2d0c28dc6d6d1ccd3c28dc6d6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4001043300252133216e2535322f30216e2535">[email protected]</span></a>; internet www.easa.europa.eu.
You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at <a href="https://ad.easa.europa.eu">https://ad.easa.europa.eu</a>.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Office of
the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room
6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. This material may be
found in the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0826.
(5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#385e4a1651564b485d5b4c5157567856594a59165f574e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1274603c7b7c61627771667b7d7c527c7360733c757d64">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on November 10, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-26679 Filed 12-9-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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